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2016 2018 Syllabus PDF
2016 2018 Syllabus PDF
9609
For examination in June and November 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Also available for examination in March 2016, 2017 and 2018
for India only.
Cambridge Advanced
What has changed in Cambridge International AS and A Level Business 9609 for 2016?
Change of syllabus name previously named 9707 Business Studies, this syllabus is renamed 9609
Business to reflect the maturity of the subject.
New syllabus code 9609.
Availability
This syllabus is for examination in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
If your candidates studied the 2015 9707 syllabus please be aware of the following:
Assessments in the 2016 examination series are based on the revised 9609 syllabus.
Candidates can carry forward the result of their 9707 AS Level assessments in 2015 to complete the 9609
A Level in 2016 (subject to the usual time limit rules for carry forwards). The Cambridge International A Level
assessments in the 2016 examination series are based on the revised syllabus.
Assessments for candidates retaking Cambridge International AS or A Level in 2016 are based on the revised
9609 syllabus.
Assessment changes
There are changes to the Assessment Objective (AO) weightings in the syllabus to better reflect the nature
of the papers.
The specimen materials have been updated to reflect the changes to the AO weightings and the refreshed
content.
Syllabus content changes
The Core and Extended syllabus content headings are replaced by AS Level and Additional A Level
content.
There are changes to content. The changes mainly provide clarification and some content has been
reorganised and updated.
For topic 5 Finance and accounting all content on forecasting cash flows is now included at AS Level.
Accounting terms have been updated. In particular note that candidates will be expected to know and
understand: statement of financial position (previously called balance sheet), operating profit, profit for the
year, retained earnings (previously called retained profit).
Content has been deleted from the following sections:
AS Level content
Job enrichment and Job rotation from section 2.2.4 Motivation methods in practice
Disciplinary procedures from section 2.3 Human resource management
How an analysis of costs can help in the calculation of payments for resources from section 5.3.2 Uses
of cost information
Distinction between financial and management accounting from section 5.4.7 Limitations of published
accounts
A Level content
Nationalisation and Public/private partnerships from section 1.2 Business structure
Negotiation and Single union deals from section 2.3 Human resource management
Promotional campaigns from section 3.4 Marketing planning
How intangible assets are treated in the balance sheet from section 5.7 Contents of published
accounts
The Resource list for the syllabus and a list of international Accounting terminology can be found at
www.cie.org.uk/alevelsupport
Significant changes including updated/clarified content are indicated by black vertical lines either side of the text.
You are advised to read the whole of this syllabus before planning your teaching programme.
Cambridge International Examinations retains the copyright on all its publications. Registered Centres are
permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give permission
to Centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within a
Centre.
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 2
Welcome
Why Cambridge International Examinations?
Why Cambridge International AS and A Levels?
Why Cambridge International AS and A Level Business?
Teacher support
Welcome
Cambridge International AS and A Level Business encourages learners to explore their subject
in depth. The syllabus has been designed, in consultation with teachers and universities, to help
learners develop not only subject knowledge, but also a strong understanding of some of the key
concepts that are critical to mastering the subject.
All our syllabuses are reviewed and updated regularly so that they reflect the latest thinking of international
experts and practitioners, and take account of the different national contexts in which they are taught.
Consultation is an important part of the way we develop our syllabuses.
Key concepts
Key concepts are essential ideas, theories, principles or mental tools that help learners to develop
a deep understanding of their subject and make links between the different topics. The key concepts
that this syllabus is designed to develop are detailed on page 5. The teaching support package helps
teachers integrate the key concepts into their teaching, showing how they fit into the overall syllabus
and suggesting ways to teach them with each topic.
Teacher support
Our comprehensive teacher support will help you deliver the syllabus confidently and effectively.
The support includes resources for teaching and learning as well as exam preparation. Learn more on
page 8.
Cambridge learners
Cambridge programmes and qualifications develop not only content but also skills. We help learners
to bridge the gap to the next stage of education and the world of work. We encourage Cambridge
learners to be:
confident in working with information and ideas their own and those of others
responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others
reflective as learners, developing their ability to learn
innovative and equipped for new and future challenges
engaged intellectually and socially ready to make a difference.
Responsible
Confident Reflective
Cambridge
learners
Engaged Innovative
Learn more about the Cambridge learner attributes in Chapter 2 of our Implementing the curriculum
with Cambridge guide at www.cie.org.uk/curriculumguide
Cambridge International AS and A Level curricula are flexible. It is possible to offer almost any combination
from a wide range of subjects. Cambridge International A Level is typically a two-year course, and
Cambridge International AS Level is typically one year. Some subjects can be started as a Cambridge
International AS Level and extended to a Cambridge International A Level.
There are three possible assessment approaches for Cambridge International AS and A Level:
Cambridge International
Year 2
A Level
Option one (remainder of A Level) Cambridge
International
Cambridge International Cambridge International A Level
Year 1
AS Level AS Level
(standalone AS) (AS is first half of A Level)
Learners take the Cambridge Learners take the Cambridge Learners take all papers of the
International AS Level only. The International AS Level in Year 1 and Cambridge International A Level course
syllabus content for Cambridge in Year 2 complete the Cambridge in the same examination series, usually
International AS Level is half International A Level. at the end of the second year of study.
of a Cambridge International
A Level programme.
Every year thousands of learners with Cambridge International AS and A Levels gain places at leading
universities worldwide. Cambridge International AS and A Levels are accepted and valued by top
universities around the world including those in the UK, US (including Ivy League universities), European
nations, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Learners should check the university website for specific
entry requirements before applying.
Key concepts
The key concepts on which this syllabus is built are set out below. These key concepts can help teachers
think about how to approach each syllabus topic in order to encourage learners to make links between
topics and develop a deep overall understanding of the subject. The teaching support package gives
teachers guidance on integrating the key concepts into their teaching. See page 8 for more information on
our teacher support.
As a teacher, you will refer again and again to these concepts, which can serve as guiding principles when
considering both familiar and unfamiliar business issues and contexts.
Change is the only constant. Exciting new enterprises are often created in response to economic,
cultural or technological changes. Existing businesses must adapt to change if they are to survive and
grow.
Management is relevant to every person in a business. Good leadership, strong motivation in workers,
effective systems and clear communication are hallmarks of successful businesses.
Customer focus means a business will design and produce goods and services that people want to buy.
Customers provide the revenue which sustains a business. Successful businesses really understand
their customers and strive to provide products that their customers love.
Innovation enables a business to re-invent itself and stay ahead of the competition. The business
world is dynamic and companies must seek to innovate through product development, more efficient
processes and finding better ways to do business.
Creating value is the core reason why any organisation exists. Effective organisations aim to maximise
stakeholder value. For most businesses this will be about maximising shareholder value, but social
enterprises will also have other, non-financial, aims. Stakeholders also need to measure the value that is
created.
Strategy is about knowing where you are, where you want to get to and how you are going to get
there. Managers need to think about, decide on and put into action major long term plans such as
buying another business, entering a new market or developing a new technology.
These figures are for guidance only. The number of hours needed to gain the qualification may vary
depending on local practice and the learners previous experience of the subject.
Prior learning
Candidates beginning this course are not expected to have studied business previously.
Progression
Cambridge International A Level Business provides a suitable foundation for the study of Business or related
courses in higher education. Equally it is suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or further study
in business or management, or as part of a course of general education.
Cambridge International AS Level Business constitutes the first half of the Cambridge International A Level
course in Business and therefore provides a suitable foundation for the study of Business at Cambridge
International A Level. Depending on local university entrance requirements, the AS Level may permit or
assist progression directly to university courses in Business or some other subjects. It is also suitable for
candidates intending to pursue careers or further study in business or management, or as part of a course of
general education.
Teachers and learners should take into account that, in some countries, universities advise that some
combinations of subjects with similar content should be avoided where possible, for example Economics,
Business and Accounting. Learners are advised to contact universities in advance of making decisions about
subject combinations that include two or more of these subjects.
For more information about the relationship between the Cambridge International AS Level and Cambridge
International A Level see the Assessment section of the syllabus overview.
Cambridge AICE
Cambridge AICE Diploma is the group award of the Cambridge International AS and A Level. It gives
schools the opportunity to benefit from offering a broad and balanced curriculum by recognising the
achievements of candidates who pass examinations from different curriculum groups.
Learn more
For more details go to www.cie.org.uk/aice
Our research has shown that students who came to the university with a
Cambridge AICE background performed better than anyone else that came to the
university. That really wasnt surprising considering the emphasis they have on critical
research and analysis, and thats what we require at university.
John Barnhill, Assistant Vice President for Enrolment Management, Florida State University, USA
Teacher support
We offer a wide range of practical and innovative support to help teachers plan and deliver our
programmes and qualifications confidently.
The support package for our Cambridge International AS and A Levels will help teachers integrate key
concepts into their teaching, showing how they fit into the overall syllabus and suggesting ways to teach
them within each topic. It also gives teachers access to a worldwide teaching community enabling them to
connect with other teachers, swap ideas and share best practice.
We offer a customised support package for each subject. Find out more about the specific support for this
syllabus at www.cie.org.uk/alevelsupport
International
AS and A Level
support for
Professional development teachers Learn more
Face-to-face training Find out more about specific
We hold workshops around the world to support support for this syllabus at
teachers in delivering Cambridge syllabuses and www.cie.org.uk/alevelsupport
developing their skills.
Visit our online resource bank and community
Online training forum at teachers.cie.org.uk
We offer self-study and tutor-led online training
courses via our virtual learning environment. A Useful links
wide range of syllabus-specific courses and skills Customer Services www.cie.org.uk/help
courses is available. We also offer training via
video conference and webinars. LinkedIn http://linkd.in/cambridgeteacher
Twitter @cie_education
Qualifications
Facebook www.facebook.com/cie.org.uk
We offer a wide range of practice-based qualifications
at Certificate and Diploma level, providing a
framework for continuing professional development.
1. Syllabus overview
1.1 Content
This table gives an overview of the syllabus content for Cambridge International AS and A Level Business.
All candidates study these AS Level topics A Level candidates also study these
additional topics
1. Business and Enterprise
its environment Business structure Business structure
Size of business Size of business
Business objectives
Stakeholders in a business
External influences on business activity
2. People in Management and leadership
organisations Motivation
Human resource management Human resource management
Organisational structure
Business communication
3. Marketing What is marketing?
Market research
The marketing mix
Marketing planning
Globalisation and international marketing
4. Operations The nature of operations
and project Operations planning Operations planning
management
Inventory management
Capacity utilisation
Lean production and quality management
Project management
5. Finance and The need for business finance
accounting Sources of finance
Costs Costs
Accounting fundamentals
Forecasting cash flows and managing
working capital
Budgets
Contents of published accounts
Analysis of published accounts
Investment appraisal
6. Strategic [No topics at AS Level] What is strategic management?
management Strategic analysis
Strategic choice
Strategic implementation
1.2 Assessment
For Cambridge International AS and A Level Business, candidates:
take Papers 1 and 2 only (for the Cambridge International AS Level qualification)
or
follow a staged assessment route by taking Papers 1 and 2 (for Cambridge International AS Level
qualification) in one series, then Paper 3 (for the Cambridge International A Level qualification) in a later
series
or
take Papers 1, 2 and 3 in the same examination series, leading to the full Cambridge International
A Level.
Component Weighting
AS Level A Level
Availability
This syllabus is examined in the June and November examination series. This syllabus is also available for
examination in March for India only.
Centres in the UK that receive government funding are advised to consult the Cambridge website
www.cie.org.uk for the latest information before beginning to teach this syllabus.
AO2 Application
Apply knowledge and understanding to problems and issues in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar business
situations and contexts.
AO3 Analysis
Analyse business problems, issues and situations by:
using appropriate methods and techniques to make sense of qualitative and quantitative business
information
interpreting and unpacking complex issues and situations to their constituent parts and searching for
causes, impact and consequences
distinguishing between factual evidence and opinion or value judgement
drawing valid inferences and making valid generalisations.
AO4 Evaluation
Evaluate business evidence, explanation, argument, discussion and analysis in order to make reasoned
judgements, present measured conclusions and, where appropriate, make recommendations for action and
implementation.
The table shows the assessment objectives (AO) as a percentage of each component.
Paper 1 50 15 20 15
Paper 2 30 30 20 20
Paper 3 20 20 30 30
The table shows the assessment objectives (AO) as a percentage of each qualification.
AO1 40 30
AO2 20 20
AO3 20 25
AO4 20 25
3. Syllabus content
Candidates for Cambridge International AS Level should study the AS Level content for Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Candidates for Cambridge International A Level should study all the syllabus content.
The AS and A Level syllabus content is divided into six main topic areas:
1. Business and its environment
This topic area is concerned with understanding the nature and purpose of business activity and
identifying the structures, functions, cultures and objectives of different business organisations. Central
to an understanding of business and its internal and external environments is a recognition that the
world in which businesses operate is in a constant state of change. The impact of political, economic,
social, technological, legal, environmental and ethical factors and how these might influence business
activity is considered. The extent to which businesses can respond and adapt to such change is likely to
determine their success.
2. People in organisations
This topic area focuses on how businesses can develop and use policies, procedures, structures,
systems and approaches to management and leadership that will harness the human potential within
an organisation and achieve organisation goals. An understanding of the central role of effective
management and leadership in achieving efficiency and competitiveness is required. Candidates will
need to understand the distinct bodies of theory that underpin the concepts of business management
and leadership. The importance of motivation techniques and theories in understanding employee
needs will be considered. The contribution to business success made by human resource management
through effective workforce planning and the recruitment, selection and training of workers will also be
explored.
3. Marketing
This topic area develops an understanding of the importance of the marketing function for business
competitiveness. The significance of marketing orientation the process of aligning a business to its
operating environment, customers, other stakeholders and markets is emphasised. An understanding
of the principles and practices of marketing and their application to commercial and not-for-profit
organisations is considered. The relationship between marketing and other business functions such as
operations management, finance and human resource management is also considered. The application
of marketing concepts and methods to assist marketing and business decisions is explored. Central to
the understanding of marketing is the objective of satisfying the needs and wants of customers through
effective market research, applying an appropriate marketing mix and establishing an organisation with a
strong customer focus.
4. Operations and project management
Operations management is the discipline of how resources are managed to achieve the efficient
production/provision of goods and services. Project management is the discipline of managing resources
to successfully complete one-off projects. This topic area promotes understanding of operations
and project decisions and how design, planning, quality and workforce issues interrelate to achieve
operations objectives. Candidates should develop an understanding of the benefits and limitations of a
variety of techniques and analytical frameworks used by operations and project managers. Central to the
understanding of how successful operations and project management support effective manufacturing
and service businesses is a recognition of the importance of innovation in product and service delivery in
dynamic and volatile business environments.
1.1 Enterprise
1.1.1 The nature of business activity purpose of business activity
the concept of creating value
the nature of economic activity, the problem of choice and
opportunity cost
business environment is dynamic
what a business needs to succeed
why many businesses fail early on
1.1.2 The role of the entrepreneur qualities an entrepreneur is likely to need for success
the role of business enterprise in the development of a
business and a country
1.1.3 Social enterprise the range and aims of social enterprises
triple bottom line economic (financial), social and
environmental targets
3.1.2 Supply and demand factors influencing the supply and demand for the products/
services of a business
interactions between price, supply and demand
3.1.3 Features of markets: location, how markets may differ: such as consumer/producer
size, share, competitors, markets; national, regional and international markets
growth difference between product and customer (market)
orientation
problems associated with measuring market share and
market growth
implications of changes in market share and growth
3.1.4 Industrial and consumer classification of products
markets how marketing might differ for different types of goods and
services
3.1.5 Niche versus mass marketing reasons for and benefits/limitations of mass marketing and
niche marketing
3.1.6 Market segmentation benefits and limitations of market segmentation
methods of market segmentation including geographic,
demographic and psychographic
3. Marketing (A Level)
The Cambridge International A Level includes the content and skills of the Cambridge International
AS Level. Although some additional knowledge and application of that knowledge will be directly tested
at Cambridge International A Level, the emphasis is on using marketing concepts to develop strategies
and evaluate changing situations/options.
3.1 What is marketing? No content beyond Cambridge International AS Level.
3.2 Market research No content beyond Cambridge International AS Level.
3.3 The marketing mix No content beyond Cambridge International AS Level.
3.4 Marketing planning
3.4.1 Market planning the detailed marketing plan; associated benefits
3.4.2 Elasticity income elasticity, promotional elasticity, cross elasticity;
usefulness of the concept of elasticity in its various forms
3.4.3 Product development product development as a process from original conception
to launch and beyond
sources of new ideas for product development
the importance of Research and Development
3.4.4 Forecasting the need to forecast marketing data
calculation and use of moving average method to forecast
sales
3.4.5 Coordinated marketing mix the need for and development of a coordinated marketing
mix
development of marketing strategies that are focused
towards achieving specific marketing objectives
3.5 Globalisation and
international marketing
3.5.1 Globalisation economic globalisation within the context of the broader
concept of globalisation
the implications for marketing of increased globalisation and
economic collaboration, e.g. BRICS
3.5.2 Strategies for international the importance of international marketing for a specific
marketing business/situation
international markets identification, selection and entry
whether a business in a given situation should develop
an international market through pan-global marketing or
maintain local differences
choosing a strategy, in a given situation, to develop a global
market
factors influencing the method of entry into international
markets
This topic introduces some new subject content, but it also gathers together and synthesises business
ideas, concepts and techniques from other topic areas of the syllabus. Selecting between and justifying
strategies is the central theme of this topic area. Candidates will be expected to analyse, develop and
evaluate future long term strategies in a variety of business situations. While some strategies may relate
directly to particular functional areas, there will be a need to judge the likely overall effectiveness of these
in the wider context of the business and its overall aims.
6.1 What is strategic
management?
6.1.1 Understanding what strategic the meaning of corporate strategy, tactics and strategic
management is management
the need for strategic management
Chandlers assertion that strategy should determine
organisational structure
how business strategy determines competitive advantage in
an increasingly competitive world
6.2 Strategic analysis
6.2.1 SWOT analysis undertake and interpret SWOT (strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, threats) analysis in a given situation
development of the outcome of a SWOT analysis into
strategic objectives
6.2.2 PEST or External Environment undertake and interpret PEST (political, economic, social,
analysis technological) analysis in a given situation
6.2.3 Business vision/mission evaluation of the role of business vision/mission statements
statement and objectives and objectives in strategic analysis
6.2.4 Boston Matrix undertake and interpret Boston Matrix analysis on the
product portfolio of a business
6.2.5 Porters Five Forces use Porters Five Forces analysis as a framework for
business strategy
6.2.6 Core Competencies use Prahalad and Hamels Core Competencies analysis as a
framework for business strategy
4. Other information
The standard assessment arrangements may present unnecessary barriers for candidates with disabilities
or learning difficulties. Arrangements can be put in place for these candidates to enable them to access
the assessments and receive recognition of their attainment. Access arrangements will not be agreed if
they give candidates an unfair advantage over others or if they compromise the standards being assessed.
Candidates who are unable to access the assessment of any component may be eligible to receive an
award based on the parts of the assessment they have taken.
Information on access arrangements is found in the Cambridge Handbook, which can be downloaded from
the website www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
Language
This syllabus and the associated assessment materials are available in English only.
Cambridge International AS Level results are shown by one of the grades a, b, c, d or e, indicating the
standard achieved, a being the highest and e the lowest. Ungraded indicates that the candidates
performance fell short of the standard required for grade e. Ungraded will be reported on the statement
of results but not on the certificate. The letters Q (result pending), X (no result) and Y (to be issued) may also
appear on the statement of results but not on the certificate.
If a candidate takes a Cambridge International A Level and fails to achieve grade E or higher, a Cambridge
International AS Level grade will be awarded if both of the following apply:
the components taken for the Cambridge International A Level by the candidate in that series included
all the components making up a Cambridge International AS Level
the candidates performance on these components was sufficient to merit the award of a Cambridge
International AS Level grade.
For languages other than English, Cambridge also reports separate speaking endorsement grades (Distinction,
Merit and Pass), for candidates who satisfy the conditions stated in the syllabus.
Entry codes
To maintain the security of our examinations we produce question papers for different areas of the world,
known as administrative zones. Where the entry code has two digits, the first digit is the component
number given in the syllabus. The second digit is the location code, specific to an administrative zone.
Entry codes and instructions for making entries can be found in the Cambridge Guide to Making Entries.
Other exams administration documents, including timetables and administrative instructions can be found at
www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
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